In spring 2009, AGTS will offer a special studies course on human trafficking. The sexual trafficking industry is the fastest growing industry in the world. Over one million people are trafficked every year worldwide. This includes: Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and even the United States. Two years ago Dr. Melody Palm, professor of record for the course, had the distinct privilege of working with Dr. Beth Grant and the Faith Alliance Against Slavery and Trafficking (including Project Rescue, Salvation Army World Service Organization, World Hope International and World Relief) to create the Hands that Heal Curriculum, a faith based academic curriculum to train caregivers working with those rescued from sexual trafficking which will be utilized during this course.

The class will be offered as a one-week module during spring study break, February 23-27, 2009, to accommodate those whose busy schedules cannot accept a traditional semester-long course. The curriculum will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of global human trafficking. In addition to an overview of the global issues we will examine the multifaceted needs of trafficking survivors, means of reducing the problem and ways to personally impact this world-wide disgrace and disregard for human dignity.

Guest lecturers include Dr. JoAnn Butrin, AGWM International Ministries Director; Joni Middleton, Project Rescue in Kolkata India; Cindy Hudlin, co-editor of Hands that Heal and missionary with Project Rescue. Dr. Beth Grant, founder and executive director of Project Rescue will be contributing through a taped video segment. The course may be taken for credit or as an audit. We are offering the course during a one week module to accommodate those whose busy schedules do not allow them to attend AGTS full time.

For more information on this course, please contact Dr. Melody Palm (417-268-1071) or Valerie Rance (417-268-1085).